Method of Modifying Flat Glass Surface and Apparatus for Carrying Out the Method

Abstract

The method of modifying the flat glass surface is based on that the surface of a glass is worked by abrasive grains of synthetic diamond which are situated in the mass of plastic threads that are a part of a rotating brush. The glass is first tarnished using brushes with rougher abrasive grains of synthetic diamond and then tarnishing is finished using brushes with smaller abrasive grains. With the brushes, it is also possible to modify already sandblasted glass surface. The apparatus for modifying glass surface is made up of at least one rotating brush (9, 10) that is bedded in static or moveable disposition above the glass plate (5) which is to be modified, while the brush (9,10) has abrasive plastic threads (3) embedded with abrasive grains of synthetic diamond.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under the Convention to the Sep. 10, 2010 filing date of Czech Republic patent application PV 2010-682, now Czech Republic Patent 302,636 issued Jun. 29, 2011. The disclosure of PV 2010-682 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention solves the problem of manufacturing a flat glass surface to a different degree of opacity or modifying a sandblasted glass surface with the goal of preserving easy-cleaning qualities. The invention also specifies the apparatus for carrying out the method needed for such modification.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Until now, the known techniques of tarnishing flat glass can be categorized as either physical or chemical. In the first case, the techniques called sandblasting are common. Abrasive material is sped up by a stream of air under pressure and it is hurled perpendicular to the surface of the glass. During the collision with the glas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is possible to tarnish or modify either a shiny or an already sandblasted glass by the method of brushing. Applying the brushes creates a dense network of shallow splits which appears as a matt surface due to dispersion of light. Glass modified by brushing has much better functional properties then sandblasted glass or cauterized glass. This is due to the surface splits that are created by the brushing. The decisive effect for the final visual look of the glass is character of the contact of the abrasive grain with the glass surface and the trajectory of the abrasive grain on the glass. The hardness of the abrasive material is also very important. With the use of synthetic diamond, the surface of the glass is rather tarnished than scabbed crushed and smashed. Clam-shaped splits are shallow and more or less in the parallel direction to the surface. The areas between them are flat and covered with an even network of smooth marks made by the brush. This texture due to the dispersion of light gives the glass surface an evenly matt, orientated and silkily shiny look. The surface of the glass is hard and not crumbly. The surface hardness of the brushed glass is the same as the hardness of the base material. This is a big difference from the cauterized glass, where the surface layer is softer than the base layer. The hard surface enables the use of any regular glue. Since the splits from brushing are shallow and smooth and the glass is not damaged much, it is possible to brush it further even before or after heat tempering. Even though this surface structure facilitates a great dispersion of light, it is minimally absorbent in the context of liquids. This means that this matt glass is very easy to clean. This is a very important feature when the matt glass is used in the interiors and exteriors. It is even possible to brush glass footage or glassware before it is finished. It is possible to brush glass that is three or more millimeters thick. When brushing a sandblasted glass surface, it is possible to make partially matt and partially clear surfaces using covering foils or to make different shades of matt glass. This way it is possible to create replicas of historical ornaments or use the glass for different art solutions. When comparing the properties of a clear brushed glass and brushed glass that was sandblasted before brushing, the clear brushed glass is much better quality. It is less disturbed and the splits are shallower, the glass is smoother, has a less absorbent surface, is easier to clean and is made on one machine in an energetically favourable process. The manufacturing of matt glass by brushing is a good alternative to the industrial process of cauterizing glass. The brushing technology is very energetically favourable, ecologic and quiet, does not produce dust and does not produce much waste. The machinery does not use aggressive and toxic materials, does not have disturbing impacts, can be a part of a production line or work separately in almost any kind of plant.

Problems solved by technology

The abrasive grain tarnishes the glass by the combination of breaking up, coring and smashing of the surface layer.

The surface of the glass is sharp, fragile, crumbly and filled with particles of broken up glass and sandblasting material.

The surface quality is low.

The surface splits make it a large absorbent surface with a tendency to absorb moisture, grease and form stains impossible to clean.

The fragile surface is prone to physical damage which leads to marks on the glass that are impossible to get rid of.

These surface splits can complicate tempering of the glass.

The energetic efficiency of sandblasted glass is low.

The surface structure is softer than the bottom glass and is very prone to mechanical damage.

The disadvantage of chemical tarnishing is that very aggressive and dangerous compounds are used during the process.

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